How to Get Rid of Musty Smells From Old Furniture

Get the musty smells out of old furniture with ease. (Image: sofa image by Dmitry Nikolaev from Fotolia.com)

Furniture often develops a musty smell over time, especially when the furniture is subjected to a damp or humid area. This musty smell makes furniture seem old and dirty. Many times the furniture itself is in decent condition and when you remove the musty smell, the furniture can be part of an inviting sitting area where friends and family can enjoy the company of one another.

Things You'll Need

Spray bottle

Water

Distilled vinegar

Baking soda

Vacuum cleaner

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Sprinkle the furniture with a light dusting of baking soda and let sit overnight. Remove any cushions or other removable parts and sprinkle those as well.

Vacuum the furniture the next morning using a hose attachment to get rid of the baking soda. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that will have pulled most, if not all, of the musty smell out of the furniture.

Spray the furniture with a 50/50 solution of water and distilled vinegar. Cover the entire furniture piece with a light mist and allow to air dry. If any odor is present after a few hours, spray on another application.

Sit the furniture outdoors in direct sunlight for several hours, when possible, to air out. Fresh air often reduces or entirely removes the musty smells.

Tips & Warnings

When storing furniture, store in a cool, dry place to prevent musty smells from developing. Also, collect spills as soon as they develop to prevent moisture from seeping into furniture padding, where mildew can begin to grow.